Immersion in the local community and culture is well known as a great way to become fluent in a country's language.
As a result, it stands to reason that the more welcoming the destination, the sooner you'll master the language. That is why Canada, with its welcoming policies and people, is such a wonderful place to start a new life while also honing your English skills.
Exploration is key
The winters may be cold, but you will be greeted warmly in Canada, which is well-known for its polite citizens and welcoming attitude toward newcomers. Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation. Meet your neighbours, talk to the staff at local shops and cafes, and, if you have children, make friends with other parents at the school gates. There will be plenty of opportunities to practice your English, and it will be a great way to learn about your new surroundings.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and integrate into your new community, and it provides a relaxed, informal setting in which to practice your public speaking skills. There are organizations that are always in need of assistance, and there are numerous ways to help, ranging from fundraising to administrative tasks. The Volunteer Canada website is a good place to start looking for available opportunities.
Take evening classes
Signing up for an evening or hobby class is another great way to meet people while having fun. There are numerous providers and subjects available, and evening classes can easily be scheduled around work or school schedules. You could learn to make pottery, paint, take a cooking class, or brush up on your computer skills while meeting new people.
Join a community
Making new connections in a new country can take time, so why not take advantage of existing networks and join a local group, club, or organization? Community centres are frequently used as meeting places for book clubs and neighbourhood groups. A quick online search should reveal what is available in your area, and you should also look at local notice boards.
Make use of Canada’s welcome programs
In order to welcome people from other countries, Canada has put in place some very supportive initiatives. Indeed, it is ranked fourth in the world for the friendliness of its immigration policies and leads the way in championing integration, so take advantage of what is available. There are numerous resources available to assist you in settling in and beginning to feel at home, ranging from government-funded language classes to a large network of specialist immigrant-serving organizations (ISOs).
Get your language journey off to the best start
If you decide to come to Canada and participate in even a fraction of the ideas listed above, you will have plenty of opportunities to talk to people, so being prepared for all of those conversations is a wise move.
IELTS is an English language test that is specifically designed to accomplish this. Its face-to-face Speaking test is one of the main reasons why millions of people take the exam every year. It helps you develop the kinds of everyday language skills you'll need whether you're working or studying by simulating a real conversation.
In addition, IELTS provides a variety of preparation materials to help you prepare for your exam, such as free sample tests, IELTS Progress Check, a practice test marked by our qualified markers, and a variety of videos to help you improve your English language skills.